South Africa then hit back with two quick wickets. Paceman Vernon Philander had Azhar Ali caught behind for 11 and then Morne Morkel had Younis Khan caught in the slips for one to leave Pakistan at 3 for 178.

Manzoor though continued in the same vein, sweeping left-arm spinner Robin Peterson for two boundaries and an over later pushed the same bowler for two to reach three figures, getting a standing ovation from the 7,000 strong crowd.

He took 198 balls to reach the milestone, bettering his previous best of 93 made at Colombo against Sri Lanka in 2009.

Manzoor and Masood dominated the bowling in the first session, putting on a solid hundred-plus stand.

It was Pakistan's first century stand for the first wicket since Taufiq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez put on 114 against England in Dubai in January last year, ten Tests earlier.

The Manzoor-Masood pair is Pakistan's sixth different combination in seven Tests as they struggled to find a solid pair for several years.

Misbah too has batted solidly, hitting four boundaries.

Debutant Masood happy with performance

Masood said he was pleased with his performance.

"We were told to keep things simple," said Masood, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Monday. "I could have batted longer, made a mistake to get out but had a decent outing.

"I think it's still even, but if we bat the whole day tomorrow we can put pressure on them," said Masood.

South African coach Russell Domingo hoped for a fightback.

"At the moment Pakistan looks strong but the second new ball will be crucial in the morning and we must find ways to come back in the game," said Domingo.

Earlier, Mohammad Irfan (3 for 44) dismissed centurion Hashim Amla off the second ball of the day after South Africa had resumed at 8 for 245.

Amla, who made 118, edged one sharp Irfan delivery straight into the hands of slip where Younis Khan held a regulation catch. He hit 13 boundaries off 252 balls and held the South African innings together on day one.

With the catch Younis equalled Javed Miandad's all-time Test catches record for Pakistan with 93. Miandad reached the tally in 124 Tests but Younis was quicker in 85 matches.

The second and final Test starts in Dubai from October 23 before the teams play five one-day and two Twenty20 internationals.